These beaming smiles belong to our Tikondane Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group members, who have just harvested the fruits of their labor after a year of hard work and diligent saving. Through our VSL program, these incredible individuals have learned the value of saving, budgeting, and investing in the future of their families. Click the link below to learn more about how VSLs work and hear incredible stories from these women.
Orant Charities US
Orant Charities US is our partner in mission. Both Orant Africa and Orant US aim to make a sustainable impact in Malawi through holistic, local, and data-driven approaches to supporting women and communities. Orant US is a private operating foundation and 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Texas, USA. Our US Team supports us with fundraising, strategy, and technology.
Orant US Staff
John Tenny
Executive Director
Erin Hearn
Lead Development Officer
Molly Horn
Lead Communications & Marketing Officer
Orant US Board of Directors
Tom Brennan – Board Chair
John Tenny – Executive Director
Michael Tenny – Co-Founder
Seth Morgan – Co-Founder
Scott Beathard – Treasurer
Lynda Baumgartner – Women’s Empowerment and Education Committee Chair
Dr. John Dallas – Medical Programs Advisor
Caroline Drake – Governance Committee Chair
Bill Robinson – Finance Committee Chair
Joe Paul Gallo – Associate Board Member
Jo Ann Graham – Associate Board Member
The Story of Founding Orant
Orant Charities began in 2006 by two friends from Texas, USA who wanted to make a difference in the world. After a year of traveling and researching where they could have the largest impact, they decided on Central Malawi.
What began as humble medical programs with volunteer doctors soon became more. Orant began drilling water wells, sponsoring students, and getting involved in local life. In 2014, Orant purchased a clinic.
As Orant expanded, so did its concept of charity. With the help of Malawian stakeholders, Orant created Orant Charities Africa, a local Malawian NGO. This shifted Orant from a foreign aid organization into a global-local partnership. Now, Orant Charities Africa runs all programs locally. Orant Charities US offers support from abroad.
Stories From The Field
Meet Lester Mwalwenje, Orant's new Energy and Environment Program Manager. We are so excited to have him on board!
Congratulations to the recipients of the Ulemu Scholarship for 2024/2025! We are so proud of you!